by admin | Oct 26, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, DTI Updates, National News
In the recently concluded Slingshot ASEAN led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), winners for the Startup World Cup – Philippines Regional were announced to represent the Philippines and compete with the rest of the world in the upcoming Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley on May 2018.
Storm Technologies topped the ten finalists as it bagged the grand prize, which includes an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco and a chance to win $1,000,000 by competing in the Startup World Cup Global Finale. Storm Technologies is the largest flexible benefits and incentives firm in the Philippines. It serves over 100,000 employees across different industries.
Meanwhile, runners-up include Beam and Go as 4th runner-up; Zennya, 3rd runner-up; Qwikwire, 2nd runner-up; and Ayannah, 1st runner-up. All runners-up will be attending Startup World Cup Finale in Silicon Valley.
Startup World Cup Philippines Regional grand finals is a collaboration between DTI, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development(DOST-PCIEERD), DENTSU X Philippines, Fenox Venture Capital Southeast Asia and Brainsparks. Startup World Cup on the other hand, is a global conference and competition that brings together the top startups, venture capitalists (VCs), entrepreneurs and world-class technology executives.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, Slingshot ASEAN is one of the official events lined up by the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (ASEAN-CBIP) being chaired by DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group Nora K. Terrado.
In photo: Startup World Cup Philippines Regional grand prize winner, Storm Technologies with DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (2nd from right).
by admin | Oct 25, 2017 | ASEAN agenda, National News
The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines – Philippine Overseas Construction Board (CIAP-POCB) converges with the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP) of the ASEAN National Organizing Council to gather local and foreign construction industry key players at the first ever ASEAN+6 Construction Forum in the Philippines.
Local guests from the public and private sectors; ASEAN Member delegates; Dialogue partners from China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand; and Philippine delegates and VIPs are present to grace the event being at the Solaire Hotel in Parañaque City.
Today’s activity targets to increase global participation and harmonious international relations of PH construction industry players with the rest of the world. The forum also serves as a platform to engage participation and solicit the cooperation of the key players in the ASEAN Construction industry to ramp up infrastructure development especially now that the country is at the onset of the “Golden Age of Infrastructure”.
With the POCB initiative, Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo believes that the ASEAN+6 Forum is a fitting development platform as ASEAN becomes a major player in the international community.
The ASEAN+6 Construction Forum convenes four panel discussions namely: Blueprint: ASEAN Connectivity, Bolting Together: Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity towards ONE ASEAN, The Mobilizers, and Pioneering Innovation; all of which are poised to proactively engage stakeholders by cultivating relationships and identifying mechanisms to regularly and effectively communicate updates on the progress of the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025; coordinate existing resources with the end in view of delivering support across the full life cycle of infrastructure projects to ensure sustainability; and address the need for infrastructure spending to more than double from levels prior to the 1987 global financial crisis.
THE BLUEPRINT
Moderated by Engr. Michael Roberto Reyes, POCB Board member, the Blueprint: ASEAN Connectivity session provides a macro-overview of the region-wide construction and infrastructure development programs in Asia, such as the ASEAN Masterplan 2025, One Belt, One Road and other big-ticket development projects funded by financing institutions and how key industry players can take part in accomplishing these projects.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Richard Bolt, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Susumu Ito, Bank of China Country Manager Deng Jun and Provincial Affairs Committee Chairman and China-Jiangsu Association for Friendship and International Exchanges (JAFIE) Executive Vice President Jiang Xiao participate in the discussion.
BOLTING TOGETHER: Strengthening ASEAN Connectivity towards ONE ASEAN
The session, moderated by SP Castro Inc. Chairman and President Engr. Salvador P. Castro, Jr., highlights government initiated efforts and policies that would facilitate entry and access to construction opportunities within the ASEAN countries.
Invited panelists are DPWH Undersecretary Dr. Maria Catalina Cabral, Ministry of Construction, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto, Business & International Division H.E. Muhammad Rizuan Hamzah and Ministry of Land Management, Urbanization and Construction, Cambodia Secretary of State H.E. Phuoeng Sophean.
THE MOBILIZERS
Joining the panel are Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) President Engr. Dante M. Abando, Overseas Construction Association of Japan, Inc. (OCAJI) COO Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Master Builders Association of Malaysia (MBAM) Council Member Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Sta. Clara International Corporation President Mr. Nicandro Linao and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco, to be moderated by Ms. Armie Jarin-Bennett, President of CNN Philippines.
The session discusses the role of the private sector and their action plans in maximizing the construction and infrastructure opportunities in the ASEAN and dialogue partner countries through sharing of strategies to overcome industry hurdles and challenges.
PIONEERING INNOVATION
The session, joined by BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen R. Zosa, Street Park Productions, Inc. President and Executive Producer John Aguilar, Arup Management Consulting Associate Director Mr. Bruce Chong and Australia Construction Industry Forum Executive Director Mr. James Cameron, presents the latest trends and technology in construction, and how these innovations impact the construction industry in terms of quality, safety, productivity, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. This discussion is moderated by Atty. Jean De Castro, CEO of ESCA Incorporated.
The activity ends with a synthesis of the keynote speech at the start of the program and the outputs of the Panel Discussions.
For more information on ASEAN+6 Construction Forum, please email ASEANConstructionforum2017@dti.gov.ph.
Event Hashtags: #ASEAN2017 #ASEANConstruction2017
by admin | Oct 24, 2017 | National News
Making ends meet is a great challenge for residents of Marawi City but these women are doing everything just to stay afloat and keep their family alive.
Sewing was their regular source of livelihood, but all of a sudden, it came to an abrupt end. On May 23, 2017, thousands of families were displaced by the war and scores of families had to flee to ensure their families’ safety.
But as they say, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
To hasten the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which leads the Bangon Marawi Task Force Sub-committee on Business and Livelihood, provided these with sewing machines and cloth as starter kits to help them earn while staying either homebased or at evacuation centers.
Back in August, DTI-Region 10 identified 16 women internally displaced persons (IDPs) who will be trained for dressmaking and were awarded with the sewing kits. The 16 sewers are able to generate income for themselves.
From the Sta Elena Gymnasium, where they temporarily stay, the 16 women sewers go to the Provincial Training and Livelihood Development Center in Iligan City, where every sewer can earn at least P500 after a day’s work.
For Asnia Sandiman, 23, laying hands on a high-speed sewing machine was a dream come true. Even as a kid, Asnia has been sewing handwoven tube skirts or malong in Filipino, shoals, and long dresses to earn extra for her schooling and for her family.
But with the new sewing machines and cloth provided by DTI, Asnia can earn up to P1,300. At school, her classmates also ask her to sew for them, allowing her to earn even more.
To Asnia, the new sewing kits was her new lease on life amid the crisis that she and her family are going through.
“Naappreciate namin at sobrang masaya kami. Parang nabigyan kami ng panibagong buhay,” a teary-eyed Asnia said, while recalling the time when the terrorists where banging on their door.
“Malaking tulong sa amin ito,” she added.
On the other hand, the DTI’s Negosyo Center and PTLDC ensure that the handwoven malongs, shoals, and long dresses made by the IDP sewers go to the market. Indeed the products ended up in the right market with orders coming in from SM Cagayan de Oro, Manila, the Bangon Marawi Concert, Bangon Marawi Store at DTI main office in Makati City. There are also orders from Rustan’s for the Go Lokal! Project.
Fellow IDP and 36-year-old Memeng Dianal, said the sewing kits allowed her to feed her six children everyday. From P500 she earns before, now, Memeng earns P2,000 a day, finishing at least 20 handwoven malongs, shoals, and long dresses.
“Malaking tulong ito sa amin [sewing kits] kahit kaunti-konti natutustusan namin yung araw-araw na pangangailangan namin,” Memeng said.
Despite knowing that her family’s home in ground-zero is now levelled due to the conflict, Memeng is hopeful that once they return to Marawi, there will be more opportunities for her and other Marawi residents. If only she can handle two businesses, she would do it for her children.
“Kung pwedeng doblehin ang business, magdodoble kayod ako para sa mga anak ko,” she said.
Now with the fighting officially declared over by the government, Asnia and Memeng, together with other residents of Marawi will just have to wait for their return to their hometown.
After all, hope springs eternal.
by admin | Oct 23, 2017 | Business, Headlines, National News
The Philippines (PH) under the Duterte Administration continues to enjoy the confidence of foreign direct investors with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Board of Investments (BOI), welcoming the investment intentions of Chinese firms Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. and Yi Ding Tai International Corporation.
The investments, focusing on iron and steel manufacturing and shipbuilding, are worth USD 4.5 billion with 8,000 employment opportunities.
“This is one of several investment proposals we have received on the steel industry that will allow us pursue President Duterte’s vision of having a globally competitive iron and steel industry, to support the growing economy, to alleviate poverty, and to create jobs for every Filipino,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
A private equity firm based in Beijing, China, Huili Fund expressed its intention to partner with PH and private sector entities through a letter of intent signed earlier this year and endorsed by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The company plans to implement a two-phased project of a world-class integrated steel manufacturing facility that will employ 6,000 people by 2022.
In a recent courtesy call on Sec. Lopez on 5 October, Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. Chairman Dr. Meng Xiaosu presented the plan for the facility where the first phase will include production of billets, long, and flat products. The chain will be completed on the second phase through iron ore. Currently, a feasibility study is being conducted that includes the possible location to set up the facility, where the availability of port and low electricity cost are considered.
“Producing the steel here will be favorable to both parties as it will generate jobs for Filipinos and be cost-effective for the company. This complements our drive to provide opportunities to uplift the lives of those at the bottom of the pyramid as we take a step forward to inclusivity and shared prosperity for all,” Sec. Lopez added.
Dr. Xiaosu also cited the benefits of putting up a facility in PH given that it is on the Maritime Silk Road and will help the company expand in the region while reaching other ASEAN countries with lower freight cost.
The trade chief shared during the meeting that the project will also contribute to the Philippine Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) through knowledge-sharing of advanced technological know-how in support of the Philippines’ bid to be a major producer of high-quality and safe steel products by 2030.
Meanwhile, Yi Ding Tai International Corporation has selected PH as the best location for the development of a shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) facility for frontier-island, regional size vessels with 15,000 deadweight tons, including advanced ship and vessel designing, manufacturing, repair, sales, and financial support.
Feasibility studies are currently ongoing following international maritime safety standards as the company is intent on investing in an SBSR facility with a local company in PH worth USD 1.5 billion. The facility is set to open job opportunities for at least 2,000 people by 2022.
by admin | Oct 20, 2017 | National News
Manila – Amidst reports of price adjustments of some brands of hams and cheese products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported the assurance of majority of producers that supply and prices of Noche Buena products such as pasta, sauce, bread, and hams remains stable.
DTI made the announcement after convening with manufacturers to check the price and supply situation of Noche Buena products. DTI annually meets with manufacturers of Noche Buena goods in preparation for the upcoming Yuletide season when demands are at its peak.
“Several manufacturers assured adequate supply and stability in prices for the coming season, mainly due to the very tight competition among various brands fighting for market shares,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
The trade chief shared that market competition has enabled businesses to do creative product promotions such as bundling and discounts for the whole package. For example, sauces were bundled with pastas and sold at more affordable prices.
“This is competition at play. Even in the ham category, products are so competitive that discounts are being given and several variants that serve different market segments are being offered with affordable pricing,” added Sec. Lopez.
Several meetings with Noche Buena product players also confirmed that there will be no price increase for pasta, sauces, cheese, ham, and canned tuna until December 2017.
On the other hand, a premium brand of bread increased its price by only one peso per loaf while other brands of bread have kept their prices stable as of October this year.
Trade Secretary Lopez encouraged consumers to use “e-Presyo”, an online based price monitoring platform, to be guided while buying their Noche Buena products for the Christmas Season
by admin | Oct 18, 2017 | Headlines, National News
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from MIMAROPA region will be on full display as DTI opens theMIMAROPA Naturally Agri-trade and Tourism fair on October 18 to 22, 2017 at Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong to cap-off the regional trade fair month.
Now on its third year, the Agri-trade and Tourism fair will feature 150 MSMEs from Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. It continues to provide an avenue for local entrepreneurs to help them the best opportunity to enter the mainstream market.
“We continue our efforts to help MSMEs market their products as part of the 7M strategy of the Department. It’s the best opportune time for MSMEs to shine,” DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said.
The 7Ms strategy for Philippine MSME Development comprise of mindset, mastery, mentoring, market, money, machines, models, which are expected to propel MSMEs to make headway in increasing the competitive market. The 7Ms strategy to help Filipino MSMEs compete locally and globally.
MSME participants in the trade fair have been assisted by DTI through Negosyo Centers, Shared Service Facilities (SSF), One Town, One Product, Kapatid Mentor ME Project, SME Roving Academy, Go Lokal!, among others. The assistance have helped MSMEs enhance their products in terms of quality and quantity of products, product label and packaging.
The annual agri-trade and tourism fair will also feature products such as processed food, fashion and accessories, handicrafts products, gifts, furniture and home decors, health and wellness products. The region’s diverse and exquisite tourist destinations will also be highlighted thru DOT’s special pavilion.
The MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-trade and Tourism is in coordination with DTI – Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise Development, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Provincial Governments of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, City of Calapan and City of Puerto Princesa.
“We invite everyone to visit the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-trade and Tourism Fair and patronize the products of our MSMEs,” Maglaya said.
For details on the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-trade and Tourism Fair, contact DTI-MIMAROPA Regional Office 890-17-12 or email r04b@dti.gov.ph.
